Monthly Archives: December 2008

THR Top 10 films for 2008 all over the map

Posted on December 29, 2008 by admin

Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris in Appaloosa, ranked eighth in my list By Kirk Honeycutt When it comes to crafting our annual Top 10 Films lists, The Hollywood Reporter‘s movie critics have a time-honored tradition of casting a large and … Continue reading →

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Back to the Red Shoot on Boxing Day

Posted on December 28, 2008 by admin

There are few things to match the annual Boxing Day jaunt through the New Forest to the Red Shoot pub near Linwood for a pint or two of Tom’s Tipple bitter with family and friends. This year, it was a … Continue reading →

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Here's to eternity's sunrise

Posted on December 25, 2008 by admin

St. Charles Bridge, Prague Photo: Ray Bennett

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Robert Mulligan brought out the best in his actors

Posted on December 23, 2008 by admin

American director Robert Mulligan, who has died aged 83, never matched his 1962 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” but he was always able to draw out fine performances from his actors. Not only that, but Elmer Bernstein provided wonderful scores … Continue reading →

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Oscar winners and wannabes in UK February releases

Posted on December 22, 2008 by admin

Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona By Ray Bennett Everything comes in pairs in the United Kingdom’s February film releases. Two Oscar-winning veteran filmmakers show how it’s done with Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” and Woody … Continue reading →

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Fiennes plays a blinder as tortured Oedipus

Posted on December 20, 2008 by admin

Ralph Fiennes and Clare Higgins at the National thru Jan. 4 Photo: Catherine Ashmore By Ray Bennett Bloodied and screaming, Ralph Fiennes brings the tortured title role of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” to vivid life in a new version by Irish playwright … Continue reading →

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Hartnett, Godley triumph in stage Rain Man

Posted on December 19, 2008 by admin

Josh Hartnett and Adam Godley in Rain Man Photo: Andrew Muir The very successful run of “Rain Man” at London’s Apollo Theatre comes to an end Saturday night but my review was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. It was a … Continue reading →

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National takes War Horse to the West End

Posted on December 18, 2008 by admin

The Handspring Puppet Company brings ‘War Horse’ to life at the National There is great news for theatregoers in London with the announcement today that the National Theatre‘s superb production of “War Horse” is to transfer to the New London … Continue reading →

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A good man from Canada: Michael Ignatieff

Posted on December 13, 2008 by admin

Writer and Harvard lecturer Michael Ignatieff is the new leader of Canada’s Liberal Party The 2002 Hay Literary Festival was memorable for many reasons but not least for a fascinating address by Michael Ignatieff, who delivered that year’s PEN Lecture … Continue reading →

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Late actor Van Johnson always had a good line

Posted on December 13, 2008 by admin

Van Johnson and Deborah Kerr in ‘End of the Affair’ Colourful but self-deprecating American character actor Van Johnson, who has died aged 92, was never a great actor but he always gave good value when he stopped by the American … Continue reading →

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